Q&A With Congressman Andy Harris

BERLIN — Congressman Andy Harris has been one of the few Republicans to have a firm hold on his political seat in the traditionally blue state of Maryland for a number of years. Harris was re-elected to his seat representing the first congressional district in Maryland by an overwhelming majority and is confident that he will retain his seat in November.

Yet, Harris has campaigned far less than many of his opponents, despite facing criticism on the campaign trail about his voting record on many issues, including a few that pertain specifically to the Eastern Shore.

Harris spoke to The Dispatch by phone from his office in Washington DC about what he calls an “interesting” election cycle, the ideological issues facing and in some cases, dividing, Marylanders, and explained how his wife’s sudden passing in 2014 changed his views on politics as an occupation.

Q: Many people who are running for office this cycle have seemingly been campaigning for years. In recent months, you came out publically and said you were less concerned about campaigning and more concerned about lowering taxes and fighting regulations that strangle our economy. In 2014, you won this seat with almost 70 percent of the vote, leading some political analysts to speculate that you have almost a stranglehold on the first congressional district in the state of Maryland. Are you confident heading into the primary and the general this cycle that you will continue to dominate the first district?

A: Well, I think this is, of course, an interesting election year, and I think people want to know whether or not the people they elect are going to be responsive to their needs. I think my record in Congress has shown that I am responsive to the needs of the first district, whether it’s dredging in Ocean City, taking care of the poultry industry on the lower shore, or, in general, the regulatory environment to help create jobs throughout Maryland and keep the economy going.

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